Women’s Jackets

Depending on what part of the planet you live on, you might be looking at those potted orchids in high-end grocery stores right now and thinking, “Those guys know how to live.” The very idea of a hothouse flower is ultra-alluring right about now.

How to replicate that warmth and exotic beauty in the pre-holiday doldrums? We think the Marni collections are a pretty darn good place to start.

It got us wondering, actually, what her favorite stems and blossoms are. So we asked her.

“My three favorite flowers are peonies for colour and perfume, hydrangea for form and colors—such as pink, green and fading blue—and then white and pink tulips,” she told us via email. (Which explains this excellent Marni tulip tunic.)

Our favorite flower, if you’re wondering, is the killer abstracted mokara on that tough-sporty biker jacket. Yes, please. Does it come in a bouquet?

Just two years ago, Kate Ciepluch went from fashion director of an online retailer to creator of Laveer, a made-in-America collection of blazers and statement jackets–and the New York-based designer hasn’t looked back. The Thread phoned Kate to learn more about her passion and design approach on this timeless wardrobe staple.

On starting Laveer: “My intention was to do blazers and fashion jackets, in a little bit more of an edgy and cool way but still remaining sophisticated, nothing too trendy and of the moment, something that you’re going to want to have in your closet for a long time.”

Our NEW feature, Behind the Seams, kicks off with the effortlessly cool New York Fashion Week darling Rebecca Taylor talking to The Thread on upgrading your sartorial repertoire with the jacket.

Modernity, color and a refined approach to ladylike dressing are the hallmarks of Rebecca Taylor’s eponymous label. For 16 years, “it” girls and the fashion savvy have looked to Taylor for designs that enhance their individual sense of style.

As temperatures drop, The Thread turns to Taylor to get her fresh and decisively contemporary point of view on stylizing the jacket, fall’s ultimate fashion fix. “I particularly love fall weather because there is more opportunity for versatility in your wardrobe,” says the New York-based New Zealand transplant. “Layering is key for fall. I love layering jackets atop sweaters. Outerwear in general brings another element and texture to your look.”

When it comes to jacket trends, Taylor says she “really loves sharp and leather-trimmed jackets at the moment. Modern, urban details like zips and studs keep it feeling cool.” Once you find the jacket you cannot live without, the focus comes down to fit. “You want to make sure your jacket fits properly on your shoulders so that it’s not disproportionate. Also, you want to make sure the length is right; you don’t want it to be too cropped since you want it to feel modern,” she explains. Accessories are also quite necessary for personalizing your jacket style. If you were to spot Taylor dashing about the Big Apple, she probably would be accenting her jacket with a “Chanel bag, Pierre Hardy boots and Rebecca Taylor scarf.”

Honing in on the right look for Taylor comes down to building a wardrobe that reflects your personality. “I think the girl I design for is a bit more feminine than myself, but my individual style is still in the DNA of the collection,” she reveals. A close look at Taylor’s DNA shows a sequence of playful silhouettes and touchable textures that celebrities and hipsters alike adore. “I feel lucky to be able to do what I love each day, and seeing Kate Middleton in my designs was a big moment for me, as I’ve been of fan of hers since she came on the scene.”

Check out more fall fashion options from the Rebecca Taylor collection on Nordstrom.com.

As the leaves start to turn, stock up on outerwear that complements the many colors and conditions of the changing season. When it comes to versatility, we’ve got you covered with fall’s most essential jacket styles.

It’s our tradition to deck our halls no sooner than the day after Thanksgiving. For many of us at Nordstrom, our winter holiday window displays are the most anticipated and favorite—this year is no exception.

We couldn’t think of a better time to launch our new feature, Window Shopping, which brings the covetable items and visuals from our downtown Seattle flagship store displays straight to you. Shop a selected look and find fashionable inspiration in our complete collection of womenswear display windows.

There’s a reason superheroes wear capes: They add a sense of drama to everything—and they always look amazing. These capes are no exception. An essential for the fall/winter wardrobe, this super-powered piece layers easily into your fashion arsenal and makes you feel like the Wonder Woman of style.

A polished, modern alternative to the cardigan or blazer, the cape has become a classic, functional way to update your wardrobe this season. With a multitude of colors, patterns, fabrications and styles, there’s a perfect cape for every fashion avenger.